Stalemate

Stalemate

Non-violent communication

works best when both parties

yearn for a peaceful resolution;

when their demeanor expects this

as the natural flow should

conflict arise- even then

the process is still a delicate

one- a process that demands

careful awareness; to be

tread with caution.

What though, if one of the

parties does not wish to

acknowledge their role in the

conflict, they feel justified in

their behavior, no matter how

demonstrative their lack of respect

is- in this case non-violent

communication seems to breakdown-

the utopian potential of clarity

and respect breaks down to the

dystopian reality of dissonance

and aggravated negativity of

the offending party.

Disheartening this is, a test

to stand up to aggression

firmly, yet forced to retreat

(perhaps feeling temporarily

like a weakling) if the

others' very nature prevents

the rise of harmony between you...

shocked by the lack of basic

respect some bring into their

daily interactions with

others.

All I control is my

reaction, my letting go of

subtle resentment, to sense

when the outcome will result

in stalemate-

withdraw, track your process and

resolve to be just as

present should you face a

similar situation-even when

personal boundaries are attacked.

Non-violence means peace of

being- a stalemate does

not necessarily mean defeat,

for the ripples of your intent

and the discipline to withdraw from

escalation on any level will be

felt- pray they may evolve future

interactions for the both of you.

Curtis Canyon

Elk Refuge, WY

2009-07-11

(meditation after being truely tested in non-violent communication with belligerent strangers)